HUD Environmental Review Online System NCDA JANUARY 2020

HUD Environmental Review Online System NCDA – JANUARY 2020

What is HEROS? • HEROS is an enterprise system that can be used to complete environmental reviews for all HUD programs (Part 50 and Part 58). • HEROS replaces HUD’s paper-based environmental review process: ØForm 4128 ØForm 7015. 15 ØForm 7015. 16 • HEROS walks users through the entire environmental review process from beginning to end, including compliance with related laws and authorities.

Who Uses HEROS? HEROS allows the environmental review procedures users already have in place now to be performed online. Once fully implemented, it can be used by everyone who is involved in the environmental review process now: • HUD Staff • Responsible Entities (local, state, and tribal governments) • Partners (consultants, PHAs, TDHEs, lenders, nonprofits, non-RE recipients)

HEROS Availability • HEROS was introduced to programs/users on a rolling schedule starting with CPD and Responsible Entities in 2014. • HEROS is available to entitlement Responsible Entities in all regions. • The Partner User Role in HEROS is available to CPD consultants and partners in most regions – rollout will wrap up in March 2020 • HUD intends to make HEROS use mandatory (Tribes excluded) starting in 2020.

Benefits of Using HEROS makes complying with environmental requirements easier by: • Integrating guidance with formats • Facilitating communication with partners • Helping manage environmental reviews HEROS also streamlines processes and saves paper. • It generates electronic environmental review records, eliminating the need for paper filing. • HEROS screens replace forms 7015. 15 and 7015. 16 with electronic certifications which are submitted online, not through the mail.

Who’s Who in HEROS? HUD Preparer Partner Ø PHAs, non-RE recipients Ø 3 rd Party Consultants Responsible Entity Ø City, State, Local, Tribal Government ECO Ø FEO/REO review and comment on EAs over 200 units

Responsible Entities HUD HEROS has Four Basic User Roles • Perform Part 50 reviews • Approve, monitor Part 58 reviews • Perform Part 58 reviews User Roles in HEROS Partners State Agencies • Assist HUD and REs with Part 50 and Part 58 reviews • Act as HUD for certain CPD programs

Part 58 User Roles Part 58: REs prepare the environmental review and Request for Release of Funds, submit to HUD for completion of the Authority to Use Grant Funds. • If the RE works with a PHA or third-party consultant, those partner users may enter supporting documentation into HEROS (depending on access). • The RE must independently evaluate their work & complete the environmental reviews before submitting to HUD.

Partner Users - Consultants Partner User Jane Doe Partner Organization Enviro Professionals Inc. Responsible Entity/HUD City of Baltimore Montgomery County HUD

Part 58 Example Process – Partner User (Consultant) initiates review, enters project information Partner User (Consultant) conducts initial analysis, uploads maps and documents Responsible Entity reviews information entered by third party provider, makes findings and determinations, submits RROF to HUD User reviews RROF, authorizes AUGF

The Environmental Review Process Determine the Level of Review Perform the Analysis Finalize Review Post-review Considerations Maintain Environmental Review Record (ERR) Define the Project

HEROS Login and Dashboard

HEROS Login and Dashboard

Initial Screen

Level of Review

Related Laws and Authorities as a Partner A Partner cannot legally complete the full analysis and compliance steps for all laws and authorities Ø The Partner makes suggestions and initial analysis, but the RE will make final determinations Ø To ensure that the RE reviews each related law and authority, Partners may not reply to the final question on each screen (“Are formal compliance steps or mitigation required? ”) However, HEROS requires that each screen be fully complete before you can upload documents Ø Respond to all questions using your best suggestions for the RE Ø In the compliance determination box, explain your actions and suggestions § Be explicit about which responses are final and which are advisory § The RE will complete these screens using your feedback

Performing Analysis - Summary Partner User (Consultant) conducts initial analysis, uploads maps and documents RE User completes all compliance requirements, makes findings and determinations. 17

Partner User (Consultant) conducts initial analysis, uploads maps and documents RE User completes all compliance requirements, makes findings and determinations.

Environmental Review Record

Posting to the HUD Exchange Website • Reviews will be posted during public comment periods. • Completed reviews will be archived on HUD Exchange for 1 year for standard reviews and 5 years for tiered reviews.

Tools and Resources Training materials on the HUD Exchange include: • User Guide • How-To Videos • FAQs • HUD Exchange “Ask A Question” • Live Q&A Webinars • HEROS Worksheets Materials are available at: https: //www. hudexchange. info/environmental-review/heros

HEROS Updates Special characters prevented in the file name for uploads HEROS Mandatory by the end of 2020

Registering for HEROS Responsible Entities and eligible partner users can register for HEROS access online using the HEROS Access Form.

HEROS Access Form This form replaces the old email access request process for all RE and Partner users

Questions • Submit questions through Ask a Question on the HUD Exchange site at https: //www. hudexchange. info/get-assistance/myquestion/ • Lauren. E. Hayes@hud. gov